Development. Addiction risk can be affected by environmental and genetic factors as well as crucial developmental stages in a person’s life. While drug abuse can start at any age, it is more likely to escalate into addiction the earlier it starts. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable. Teenagers are more likely to engage in dangerous behaviors, like drug use. This is because their brains, which affect decision-making and judgement, as well as self-control, are still growing.
Can you cure or prevent drug addiction?
As with most chronic conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, heart disease, and other forms of addiction, treatment for drug dependence is rarely a cure. Addiction is manageable and can be treated. Relapse is possible for many years after a person has been treated for addiction. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medication with behavioural therapy has the best chance of success for most people. Long-term recovery can be achieved by individualized treatment that is tailored to the individual's drug use and any co-occurring mental, physical, or social issues.
The good news is that addiction and drug use can be prevented. NIDA-funded research has shown that preventative programs, which include families, schools and communities, are effective in reducing or stopping drug abuse and addiction. Even though cultural and personal factors can influence drug usage, young people tend to reduce their drug use when they perceive it to be dangerous. Education and outreach are crucial in helping people understand the possible consequences of drug abuse. Teaching children about drug abuse and prevention is a responsibility shared by parents and teachers.
Most drugs have a negative effect on the brain's reward circuit. Dopamine floods the brain and makes it feel good. A well-functioning reward system encourages people to do things they enjoy, such as eating and spending quality time with loved ones. People feel a rush of dopamine when they are rewarded. This encourages them to continue doing things that are both fun and harmful for their health, such as taking drugs. This causes people to repeat the action.
People who continue to take drugs will find that their brain is less responsive to them. This will continue for as long the person continues to use drugs. This is called tolerance. It causes the person to feel less high as they did before they took the drug. They can take more of it to get the same effects. People often find it difficult to enjoy the things they used love, such as eating and sexual activity.
Long-term abuse can cause brain changes and other chemical systems to be altered. This can lead to problems in learning, judgements, decision-making, stress, memory, behavior, and even behaviour. Due to the way drugs work, many addicts continue using drugs even though they realize the consequences.
Why are some people more dependent on drugs than others? There is no one way to tell if someone will become dependent. It is possible for someone to become addicted depending on many factors. The higher the risk factors, the greater chance that someone will become addicted to drugs.